Warrick County approves moratorium on data centers
Warrick County Commissioners unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on all data center developments. This pause will allow a study committee to prepare a comprehensive ordinance for regulating such projects. Residents expressed concerns about potential impacts on water resources and the rural character of the area.
The Warrick County Board of Commissioners in Indiana voted unanimously to enact a 180-day moratorium on all data center developments within the county. The decision, made during a special meeting, followed a recommendation from the Warrick County Area Plan Commission (APC).
The moratorium is intended to provide the county's data center study committee time to develop an ordinance regulating data center projects. This proposed ordinance will be discussed by the APC at its November 9 meeting, before potentially advancing to the Commissioners for final approval or modification.
The action comes amidst discussions of a potential 1,200-acre data center project, referred to as "Project Zora," located south of Lynnville on reclaimed mine land. While no permit application is expected until 2027 and the company remains unnamed, residents voiced strong opposition and environmental concerns. Jessica Hodges, a Lynnville resident, highlighted the potential strain on groundwater and local water resources, urging the commission to prioritize community well-being. Christina Martin, an Elberfeld landowner, emphasized the desire to protect the area's rural character and called for thorough research before approving any large-scale developments.